﻿At various times in the investigation there have been differing theories on who killed the Rhoden family.

After a previous drug bust in the area was mentioned, statements by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine led to speculation that a Mexican drug cartel could have been involved. Commercial marijuana grow operations were found at two of the four murder scenes.

But DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader have since expressed the belief that the perpetrators – the consensus is that there’s more than one – were local to Pike County.

A reward poster for information about the Rhoden murders hangs in a tree outside the home of Leonard Manley, whose daughter Dana Rhoden, 37, was one of the eight victims in Pike County on April 22, 2016. The case remains unsolved. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

A reward poster for information about the Rhoden murders hangs in a tree outside the home of Leonard Manley, whose daughter ... read more

Some officials have speculated the suspects were even closer to the family.

Leonard Manley, whose daughter Dana Rhoden, 37, was one of the eight victims, has previously said whoever entered the property had to be familiar to the family’s dogs, or else they would have barked and attacked.

The victims suffered a combined 32 gunshot wounds – one was shot nine times, two were shot five times each – and some showed soft tissue bruising, suggesting they may have been beaten, according to autopsy reports.

DeWine and Reader would not say at a recent press conference if they believe they’ve interviewed the perpetrator(s).

They insist a lack of disclosure about new details will protect the integrity of the investigation — the largest in the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation history. They also insist the case is not cold, and that there exists — somewhere in the county, or elsewhere — someone with answers.

“We will find you,” Reader said to the killer or killers. “We will arrest you, and you will be prosecuted.”

A billboard seeking information about the Rhoden family murders is seen along Ohio 23 near Waverly. Eight members of the Rhoden family were killed in rural Pike County in the early morning hours of April 22, 2016. One year later, the murder case remains unsolved. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

A billboard seeking information about the Rhoden family murders is seen along Ohio 23 near Waverly. Eight members of the Rhoden ... read more

The killings were committed “execution-style,” and whoever did it is still out there. In the immediate aftermath of the crimes, Reader told other members of the Rhoden family to arm themselves for protection.

DeWine said solving the murders is the top priority, and detectives need information.

“This is a homicide investigation,” he said. “It’s not that we don’t care what you’ve done with drugs – we care, but our focus is on the homicide, and so people should not be concerned about coming forward and disclosing information that may be helpful in the investigation.”

4. What was the motive?

Was the family killed by rival drug dealers or were the murders in connection to other criminal activity? There was evidence they were raising roosters for cock fighting, DeWine has said.

This criminal activity, Reader said, was “minute” compared to their slaughter.

“Regardless of their lifestyle, they were human beings,” he said.

Was the murder more personal? In the immediate aftermath, several individuals who had expressed prior disputes with Rhoden family members on social media were questioned, but quickly let go.

There have been more rumors than concrete theories when it comes to motive.

Things are quieter now in the rural community, but the specter of these slayings, unsolved, still hangs over the people of Pike County. A billboard with the victim’s faces literally hovers over the sheriff’s office.

“I see the look of disappointment when I speak with the family, and I look into their eyes and the grieving they still have,” Reader said last week. He said these murders were the worst thing he’s seen in all his years in law enforcement.

About the Author

Popular in News

Reader Comments
...

Next Up in Local

When Hollywood legend Tom Hanks appeared on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” to promote his new movie “The Post,” he managed to find time to take a few playful jabs at his co-star and fellow Hollywood legend Meryl Streep. Colbert and Hanks were having a friendly chat when Colbert mentioned the veteran actress. Hanks rolled...

A Springboro boy on Wednesday was returned to the Warren County Detention Center for 30 more days, ordered to complete an in-patient treatment program and placed on probation for drug charges stemming from a case also involving his mother, a teacher in the Springboro schools. The boy was led out of the courtroom to begin his detention. He was given...

The Organizing for Action and Dayton Indivisible For All is hosting a candlelight vigil To End Gun Violence in remembrance of the those who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. The event is being held today at Christ Episcopal Church in Dayton. Thursday, Dec. 14 marks the five year anniversary of the Sandy Hook...

The city of Middletown has been recognized for financial reporting excellence. The city has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The award is the highest form of recognition...

Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan gave his 2017 State of the City address Tuesday to an audience of about 100 residents and community leaders at the Middletown City Building. “Our future looks brighter — we have a plan in place to start addressing our road conditions, we are working on a plan for housing,” Mulligan said. “We will...